8:35 The benefits of wisdom are equated with life itself. To be truly alive is to be rightly related to God, other people, and the created order. See notes 3:2, 18.

favor from the Lord. That is, acceptance and goodwill. The sage is not describing an alternative way of gaining acceptance other than that provided in the covenant community and sacrifices. Rather, he describes the richness of the believers’ fellowship with the Lord as their lives are molded by true wisdom (12:2).